Conversational AI Assistants vs Chatbots: What’s the Real Difference and Why It Matters
Conversational AI Assistants vs Chatbots Introduction If you’ve ever chatted with a brand online, chances are you’ve interacted with a chatbot — or maybe something far more advanced. While chatbots and conversational AI assistants are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing . One follows scripts. The other understands, learns, and responds like a real conversation. As businesses move toward smarter, faster, and more personalized customer interactions, understanding this difference is no longer optional — it’s essential. Let’s break it down in a simple, no-jargon way. What Is a Chatbot ? A chatbot is a rule-based or keyword-driven system designed to answer specific, predefined questions. How chatbots work: Follow fixed decision trees Respond to exact commands or keywords Limited understanding of context Struggle with complex or unexpected queries Example: You type “Track my order” → The chatbot gives you a tracking link. You type...